Best headphone for noise cancelling, Expert advice to choose

I researched the best headphones for noise cancelling because I really need something solid for blocking out background noise while working and traveling. I have spent the past few days reading expert reviews from sources like the new york times, consumer techredar and wired. Across the board, these two headphones are consistently rated as the top picks:

  • Bose QC (QuietComfort) Bluetooth Headphones

https://www.amazon.com/Bose-QuietComfort-Bluetooth-Headphones-Cancelling

  • Sony XM4 (WH-1000XM4)

https://www.amazon.com/Bose-QuietComfort-Bluetooth-Headphones-Cancelling

However, I am torn between the two. Both seem excellent, but I am not sure which one would better suit my needs. I would mostly use them during work hours, flights and noisy environments. Comfort, noise cancellation performance, and call clarity are my top priorities.

Has anyone here tried both or either of them? Any recommendations or personal experience would be hugely appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

I’ve used both. Both have excellent noise canceling – among the class leaders.

It really comes down to comfort and sound. Neither sound anywhere near as good as a comparably priced wired headphone or IEM, but they’re OK for wireless. V-shaped with bloomy bass.

The Bose QC are among the most comfortable, light headphones I’ve worn. But that’s my head and ears. Your mileage may vary.

Good luck.

1 Like

I’ve had both also, the Bose are comfort kings. The bass on the Sony sounded a little artificial. The Sennheiser Momentum 4 and Bower & Wilkins PX7 Carbon were both really good. Every Monday the landscape crew rolls in. I test noise cancelling when I hear the leaf blowers coming and they always pass right by the front door. Perfect time to test ANC with whatever I have out at the time.

1 Like

Thanks so much to both of you for the insights, really helpful.

It is good to hear that both the Bose and Sony models deliver strong noise cancellation. I figured sound quality might not be audiophile level given the wireless and ANC trade offs but I mostly need them for focus and peace during work and travel so that is acceptable.

Comfort is a huge one for me, especially during long flights or back to back meetings so i am leaning toward the Bose QC after your comments. Also appreciate the tip on Sennheiser Momentum 4 and B&W PX7 I had not looked too deeply into those but I will check them out.

And I love the leaf blower test, genius way to trial ANC in the real world.

Thanks again!

1 Like